Are you a new or expecting dad? Or do you know any new or expecting dads that may benefit from education or support around being a parent? Then why not reach out to Dad Matters Warrington, Halton and Cheshire?
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What Is Dad Matters and Who Is It For?
Dad Matters offers free, evidence-based education around ways to support your partner during pregnancy, labour and birth, attachment and bonding, encouraging baby brain development and good mental health through the perinatal period.
Recently celebrating its eighth birthday, Dad Matters is a scheme delivered by the Homestart Warrington and Cheshire charity and supported over 13,000 dads in universal settings across the UK last year.
How Dad Matters Supports Dads Across Halton and Beyond
The service is entirely free to access, is open to dads living in Widnes or Runcorn and offers support through one-to-one sessions, group sessions, online new dad workshops and drop-ins and various one off and regular events put together specifically with dads in mind.
Meet Tom, Your Local Dad Matters Coordinator in Halton
Halton co-ordinator, Tom Byrne, who has been in post since the service was implemented by Halton Family Hubs in October, explains the benefits of the service saying:
“As a dad myself I know how difficult things can get through the pregnancy, birth and the first two years of a child’s life.
“I struggled through the perinatal period for various reasons. My little boy was born prematurely and spent a number of weeks in special care, and my wife really found things difficult both emotionally and physically – I felt very lost and like I had to stay strong for them both.
“My little boy is happy and health now but looking back, I really would’ve benefited from Dad Matters when I was going through those tough times.”
On the ways that the service supports dads, Tom goes on to say;
“I like to keep things really casual, relaxed and led by the dad. I simply offer another dad’s perspective and a listening ear to whatever issues dads are facing, and by joining forces with the great services we have in Halton, do my best to help dads to feel more confident and get back to their best!
“I’m not a counsellor. I’m not a psychologist. I’m just another dad!”
Support That’s Led by Dads, for Dads
Dads can self-refer into the service, can be referred by professionals, or can be referred in by family/friends/employers (with prior permission).
How to Access Dad Matters Support in Halton
For more information, download resources, or find out what Dad Matters is up to through Halton visit the dedicated page on the Halton Family Hubs website here: https://www.haltonfamilyhubs.co.uk/adult-dads
or
Dad Matters UK website: https://dadmatters.org.uk
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